Breast double normal size

[shel-e-d]

I was diagnosed with fibrocystic breast disease about a month ago.  Since that time, my left breast has doubled in size, with a large mass promonite on the outer portion of my left breast.  It seems to extend about 4 inches from my nipple, from the 12 to 5 o'clock positions.  The breast is warmer than the other, but there is no redness, only a pinkish tinge.  I feel nothing on the inside of the breast.  Actually, it looks as if I have had a breast implant in the left breast.  Every day my breast seems to get larger and my nipple is SINKING within my breast (the whole nipple, as it is being swallowed up).  Is this a normal symptom of FBR, and at what point will I quit growing?  I have gone off of caffine, am eating lots of green veggies, and take vitamins B & E, as well as multiple vitamins.  I am wondering if FBR is the correct diagnosis, or if I have symptoms of something else that needs to be looked into.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Shel-e-d:  Fibrocystic breast disease does not usually result in extensive breast growth.  It may be associated with some swelling or "growth" at certain times during the menstrual cycle but usually resolves after the period.  Our recommendation is that you see a physician who can evaluate the symptoms you describe and make appropriate recommendations for additional evaluation if needed.  

[Bet63]

Hi, I commented on your previous post and will do so again. GO TO A DR and GET THIS CHECKED OUT ASAP. It is not normal for fibrocystic breasts to present the symptoms you are experiencing. I have had fibrocystic breasts my entire adult life and have Never experienced anything like what you describe.
Please do yourself a favor and get this checked out. It may be as simple as an infection but you won't know until you go. Best of luck to you.
Bet

[shel-e-d]

Thanks for your input.  I had been so dissatisfied with both the original diagonis (and surgeon) and then the generic reply I received from my first posting, that I had been pushing my gyne to get into a breast specialist.  After spending 3 long weeks working out of state, I am back home now and going to a breast specialist tomorrow.  While I was away, I called my primary doctor, (who had not seen me for this condition) and after a phone consultation with her, she arranged for me to get into a specialist quickly. I am thankful that she LISTENED, and took me at my word that my symptoms were real.  I am anxious to know what this is - good or bad - so that I can deal with it instead of wondering & worrying.  I stopped by to see my primary today, and her initial thoughts were maybe a blocked duct.

[shel-e-d]

I have finally been to a competent surgeon, who recognized my symptoms as infiltrating ductal carcinoma.  It has already spread to 2 of my lymph nodes, and I will be beginning chemo next week.

[boninclyde]

Sorry to see your diagnosis. Will you only be having chemo for treatment or have you alreaady had surgery?

[shel-e-d]

Chemo, then mastectomy, then radiation.  It appears that it is very agressive; not estrogen receptive.

[boninclyde]

There are many new medicines on the market today to help you fight this. You can beat this. Keep your strength up. Walk, swim, anything. Did you have mamo or unltrasound? Biopsy? How did the doctor come up with a diagnosis? Good to see you got in with a good surgeon.

[shel-e-d]

My original mammo showed a slight increase in density;  I followed up with a spot compression and ultra sound.  They pronouned by fine - 6 month follow-up.  It happened that I had a visit with my gyne and she felt a pea sized area - not lump - that she thought was probably fibro-cystic.  I chose to go to a surgeon for peace of mind rather than wait & see in 6 months.  That is when he blew me off and informed me that it was fibrocystic, and refused my 2 requests for a biopsy.  When I saw him 15 days after the gyne, my area was about 1/2 dollar size.  4 weeks later, when I got into a breast specialist, the area was about 3 x 5 inches.  Literally the whole outside half of my breast.
I have had a chemo treatment - 1 of 6 every 3 weeks - and will also be receiving a weekly hercepton treatment.  I am HER2 + so that accounts for the rapid growth I experienced.  I immediately began an intense supplemental nutrition program, which has stopped my growth cold.  My 2 lymph nodes that tested positive, are no longer involved.  My scans showed no evidence of cancer anywhere else, much to the amazement of the oncologist.  As rapidly as this has been growing, they were sure that it was in several other organs.  The doctors and nurses have encouraged the supplements, as well.
I breezed thru the 1st chemo treatment, and I hope the rest go as well.

[shel-e-d]

I fogot to say that the breast specialist literally took one look at me and was able to diagnose me at stage 3, 2 lymphs involved.  The 10 biopsies done the next day confirmed her findings.  She is a breast only surgeon, and sure seems to know her stuff!

[boninclyde]

It is great news but strange the cancer shrank or dissappeared so quickly after one 1 round of chemo. I guess miracles do happen. I did not think supplements were good when going through treatment beacause they could effect treatment meds. Oh well shows you what I know. Just something I had read somewhere. Best of luck to you. Sounds like your on the road to recovery. Keep us posted. Wow read your other post 10 biopsies. Thats allot.